The Cuban Postal Service, through its branch in Sancti Spíritus, has finally disclosed the prices in Cuban pesos (CUP) for the solar panel kits it has started selling amid the country's severe electricity crisis.
Even the lower-powered models exceed two and a half million pesos, an unattainable amount for most state employees.
On its official Facebook page, the organization announced, "Correos Sancti Spíritus promotes clean energy!" and outlined the available systems:
5 kW — 2,530,000 CUP.
6.5 kW — 2,750,000 CUP.
10 kW — 3,850,000 CUP.
12 kW — 4,895,000 CUP.
The post adds that "prices may be subject to change based on market conditions."
What the Kits Offer
According to the company, each kit is equipped with an inverter, batteries, AC and DC current protections, solar panels, and all necessary wiring.
Sales are handled at the Correos Sancti Spíritus Commercial Office, with payments made in the national currency.
The entity promotes the offer under slogans like "Electric Savings," "Reliable Backup," and "Commitment to the Environment," alongside its institutional motto: "Innovation and sustainability at the service of our community."
However, installation services are notably absent from the package.
Installation Concerns and Public Reaction
This omission had already raised questions when it was revealed in late February that the Sancti Spíritus office had begun selling solar panels.
In statements to local station Radio Vitral, territorial management admitted they lacked specialized personnel for installation, leaving buyers to arrange the technical setup independently.
When the official newspaper Granma initially reported that Correos de Cuba had "incorporated the sale of solar panel kits in national currency into their commercial offering, contributing to the nation's efforts to change its energy matrix," costs were not yet disclosed.
At that time, Carlos Gotera González, the general director in Sancti Spíritus, explained that the commercialization was in line with "powers granted to the business sector in Cuba," with kits available to both individuals and legal entities.
Public Outcry Over Pricing
Once prices were announced, reactions were swift.
On social media, many users questioned the feasibility of the offer. One user remarked, "In 37 years of work, I haven't reached that amount of money; they've gone overboard," highlighting the gap between average incomes and the millions required for each kit.
Others described the initiative as "ridiculous" or sarcastically pondered buying one with their "huge salary." Comparisons were also made with the informal market and abroad. According to another commenter, the price set by Correos is "triple what it costs on the street," casting doubt on the competitiveness of the state proposal.
The dissatisfaction is exacerbated by the absence of installation services. After paying between 2.5 and almost 5 million pesos, buyers must also cover additional installation costs.
Some users noted that under these conditions, many families will continue relying on traditional lighting methods during extended blackouts, which in several provinces exceed 12 to 16 hours daily.
The Energy Context and Background
The sale of solar panels by a postal service company comes amid the collapse of the national electrical system, characterized by fuel shortages and power generation failures.
Simultaneously, the government has announced tariff exemptions for importing photovoltaic equipment, tax incentives for renewable energy investments, and the possibility of selling generated electricity to third parties.
A program targeting prioritized workers, like Heroes of Labor, is also underway. They receive 800-watt modules valued at 75,200 CUP, with payment plans and installation included.
In stark contrast, the kits offered by Correos in Sancti Spíritus exceed 2.5 million pesos at their most basic level, without installation services or known financing options.
The release of pricing information answers a demand for transparency from the citizens themselves. However, it leaves another question open: Are these systems genuinely accessible to the majority of Cubans, or only to those with extraordinary incomes or external support?
Addressing the Solar Panel Kit Pricing in Cuba
Why are the solar panel kits so expensive in Cuba?
The high cost of solar panel kits in Cuba is likely due to several factors, including the economic conditions in the country, supply chain issues, and the lack of competitive pricing due to limited market options.
What is included in the solar panel kits offered by Correos de Cuba?
Each kit includes an inverter, batteries, AC and DC current protections, solar panels, and complete wiring. However, installation services are not included.
Are there any financing options available for purchasing the solar kits in Cuba?
As of the current information, there are no known financing options provided by Correos de Cuba for purchasing the solar kits, making it difficult for many citizens to afford them.